Catch up on your Z's

QUICK SIPs

Z's on the Lake Bar & Grille
• What to know: 10417 Main St., Findley Lake, N.Y. (716) 769-5555.
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, 4-9 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• What's special: Mondays feature 45-cent wings; On Tuesdays, Z's extra-large, 16-inch pizza is only $6.99. It comes with a free lottery ticket.
• What's cool: The seductive mermaid logo of the bar makes for popular gear. T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies come in all sizes.
DRINK OF THE WEEK
Mermaid Bath
In a blender with ice, pour:
- 1 ounce of Island Pucker
- 1 ounce of Blue Curacao
- A splash of Mountain Dew
Blend and pour into a fish bowl glass. Upend a Smirnoff Ice Raspberry Burst in the glass. Garnish with Swedish fish and a couple of colorful mermaids.
Do mermaids take baths? Maybe it's best not to over think these things. Just order this sweet tropical treat and enjoy the scenery.
-- Scott McClelland

The Mermaid's Bath is the drink of the week at Z's on the Lake in Findley Lake, N.Y. It was photographed at the restaurant on April 27. ANDY COLWELL/ERIE TIMES-NEWS

Findley Lake, the bucolic village located in the town of Mina in southwestern Chautauqua County, is often referred to as the best-kept secret in New York.

It may be a secret to New Yorkers, but to savvy travelers from Pennsylvania and Ohio, Findley Lake is a well-known and well-loved day-trip destination. If you're planning a leisurely ride to visit the specialty shops and antique stores in Findley Lake, be sure to make time for lunch or dinner at Z's on the Lake.

Located on Main Street at the north end of the lake, Z's is ideal for those who want to dine al fresco while taking in the vistas surrounding the tranquil waters of the village's namesake.

Z's on the Lake actually has more outdoor seating than indoor. A generously proportioned redwood-stained deck with gazebo seats 36 under the protection of a sizable awning.

"The deck is where you want to be when the weather is warm," said owner Jim Zank. "People come from as far away as Pittsburgh and Cleveland. When they're here they like to be outside and they want to see the lake."

And Z's on the Lake has been accommodating that desire for nearly five years. The bar will mark its fifth anniversary in July, on Independence Day to be exact. Zank opened his lakeside bistro on that date in 2008 -- fireworks and parades everywhere annually commemorate his decision.

Z's has a full bar with some colorful summertime drink offerings. There's also a strong craft beer selection in bottles and on tap. With just four pulls, Zank always has at least one dedicated to the likes of an Angry Orchard Apple Cider. And another permanently reserved for the nearby Southern Tier Brewing Company.

The bar has a close relationship with Mazza Vineyards and serves a full selection of the local winemaker's vinos.

On rainy days -- or for those who would rather be indoors -- the intimate cafe seats 34 astride large picture windows with a view of the lake. The main menu has upscale choices in seafood, steak and pasta. A more pub-friendly menu, available for dine-in, take-out or delivery, offers signature Wingz, Sandwichez, pizza and Wrapz.

On your next excursion over the New York state line, "Z" what you can find at Z's on the Lake.

QUICK SIPs

Z's on the Lake Bar & Grille
• What to know: 10417 Main St., Findley Lake, N.Y. (716) 769-5555.
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, 4-9 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• What's special: Mondays feature 45-cent wings; On Tuesdays, Z's extra-large, 16-inch pizza is only $6.99. It comes with a free lottery ticket.
• What's cool: The seductive mermaid logo of the bar makes for popular gear. T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies come in all sizes.
DRINK OF THE WEEK
Mermaid Bath
In a blender with ice, pour:
- 1 ounce of Island Pucker
- 1 ounce of Blue Curacao
- A splash of Mountain Dew
Blend and pour into a fish bowl glass. Upend a Smirnoff Ice Raspberry Burst in the glass. Garnish with Swedish fish and a couple of colorful mermaids.
Do mermaids take baths? Maybe it's best not to over think these things. Just order this sweet tropical treat and enjoy the scenery.
-- Scott McClelland